The 48-test hard man died on Friday, along with the love of his life Alana Madill, in a horror car crash in the south of France. The couple's 4-month-old daughter suffered serious head injuries in the crash and remained in intensive care last night.
Frank Collins told the Herald on Sunday: "We would like to thank people for their support. The reaction of people from all over the world has been humbling.
"There have been people calling up after hearing about the news on the radio. A lot of friends have been giving a lot of support."
Yesterday, members of Collins' family were in Samoa for a wedding but were expected to fly back tomorrow. The family were still unsure about the full details of the tragedy.
"I'm still waiting for some information to come in from the authorities in France. That may be Monday now because of the weekend and we will finally get the full story from there."
Collins' spent his last hours at a charity function in Perpignan for Samoan rugby star Henry Tuilagi.
His final night was captured by photographer, Zebulon Noguera, including the moment he stepped on stage to collect the jersey once worn by Tuilagi. The rugby stars were close friends.
A two-day event had been planned to honour and raise funds for Tuilagi, who had played for Perpignan. But organisers yesterday said they would donate all proceeds to Collins' orphaned child.
Ayla is said to be serious but stable in a specialist intensive care unit in Montpellier. A source confirmed she suffered a brain bleed. Yesterday, Collins' long-standing manager Tim Castle said the baby had shown signs of improvement.
"The news today is that her condition has improved a little, which is wonderful for the family," Castle said.
"She remains nevertheless in a very serious condition and the circumstances are being monitored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, by the rugby club, and others we have on the ground down there hour-by-hour."
Former All Blacks Neemia Tialata and Chris Masoe have made their way to Montpellier with their wives, Sally and Jenny, to monitor Ayla and pay their respects to Collins.
An autopsy will be done on Madill, who was driving, tomorrow.
The New Zealand rugby community yesterday displayed its grief over the death of Collins and his partner. At grounds around the country - including during school, club and Super Rugby matches - players and supporters observed a minute's silence before kick-off and thousands of players of all ages wore black arm bands.
In Wellington, club teams honoured one of the city's favourite rugby sons by lining up on their 10-metre lines pre-match for silent tributes. That feeling extended around the world.
Collins' Narbonne coach Justin Harrison said among all Collin's achievements, starting a family was one of the greatest.
"The last time I saw them they were enormously happy and in love, that's my best memory of Jerry," Harrison, who played for the Wallabies between 2001-04, told TVNZ.
"Sometimes your mortality reminds you that life isn't fair sometimes."
Collins' cousin, friend and former All Black captain Tana Umaga last night tweeted from Italy: "Been a tough 36 hours for all that knew JC. I'm no different.
"Appreciate all the messages of condolences and support for JC, Alana & Ayla!"
Meanwhile, Madill's body will undergo toxicology tests and investigations will help determine whether she suffered a medical event.
Public prosecutor Yvon Calvet confirmed the driver of the bus that collided with Collins' car, which had spun on the motorway ahead, was not at fault. He had been driving at 91km/h and was sober, he said.
Collins was in the back seat of his car with baby daughter Ayla, when Madill lost control. They were killed instantly. Police would not confirm whether Collins or Madill had been wearing seatbelts.
It was also not clear why the couple had been driving along the A9 motorway about 3.30am toward Beziers - the opposite direction of their home in Narbonne.
- Additional reporting by Catherine Field, Paris and Jean-Pierre Amarger, Montpellier
